Vietnam!!!!!!!

After our plane landed, we got our baggage and went to meet Tram and Nikki's family. Outside, there was a HUGE crowd of people waiting for friends and family. Every single one of them stared at us "like we had bathing suits on the outside of our clothes" (to quote Sarah Beth.) Several of Tram's aunts were there to greet us along with her parents and Bao, her 2nd youngest brother. We got in her family's car and drove out of Ho Chi Minh city toward the village where Tram lives. Mrs. Nguyen gave us our first taste of Vietnamese food: bread containing pate! It was delicious. Tram's family also gave us flowers, which embarrassed Tram.
Our first day in Vietnam was mostly spent trying new foods, and trying to correct jet lag. We took soooo many naps! Today though, the Nguyens showed us around their village. Just driving through the countryside was amazing! We met Tram's grandmother and aunt, and many cousins. Vietnamese hospitality is really abundant. All of the relatives we met served us delicious food, and when we were about to explode, they would offer us more! (My personal favorite is spring rolls, which are totally different than the ones I've had!) Next, we went to the Nguyens' garden to look at the fruits we had been eating. I'll put pictures of the fruits and countryside on the blog shortly, as soon as I figure out how. Sarah Beth's favorite plant was a small fern-looking plant. It looked normal; but when Mr. Nguyen touched it with his hand, it shrank and shriveled! They call it "shy plant!" Also, on the trip, me and Sarah Beth counted the number of traditional hats we saw out the window. Traditonal hats are circular and pointed on top. I plan to buy one as a souvenir! Tomorrow we are leaving for a five-day trip where we see a lot of the most famous sights of Vietnam. We may or may not be able to blog, but we will if we can!!!

P. S. Our final hat count for the day was 34!